Singapore or bust: how Indonesian student’s crowdfunding plea shows degree of desirability

In a bold move, Evelyn Clarissa Siregar, a 28-year-old Indonesian professional, turned to crowdfunding to fund her MBA at Singapore Management University (SMU). Siregar, who works as a sales manager at an internet services provider in Jakarta, sought over S$100,000 (US$78,000) to cover tuition and living expenses for her business program.

Her unconventional appeal garnered significant online criticism, with some labeling her as entitled and questioning her plans. Despite the backlash, Siregar remains determined to study in Singapore, a city-state known for its high-ranking universities, proximity, and reputation. She believes the country's experts in finance, business, and science, as well as its compact size, make it an attractive destination.

Siregar secured a S$3,000 Asean student discount but found it insufficient to cover the full tuition of S$82,480. She applied for three scholarships but only received one. While she also tried to find a job in Singapore, her efforts were unsuccessful. Siregar published her crowdfunding pitch on Instagram, estimating monthly costs of S$2,000-$2,500 for 10-15 months.

Although she did not receive any sponsors, her plea drew harsh criticism from netizens questioning her credentials and the feasibility of her plan. Singapore continues to attract Indonesian students with its world-class infrastructure and educational facilities, and the familiarity of its culture.